Tag: Selangor Government

‘SaT1M’ Term Suitable to Eradicate Umno-BN Land Ownership Scandal

SHAH ALAM, 24 Nov: The suggestion by Seri Muda Assemblyman, Shuhaimi Shafiei to use the term ‘1Malaysia Land Grab’ or ‘Sapu Tanah 1 Malaysia’ (SaT1M) to refer to the Umno-BN land ownership scandal in Selangor was concurred by Sekinchan Assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim.

The terminology is deemed relevant, said Shuhaimi, because it is closely related to the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) Opposition Leader, Datuk Mohd Satim Diman regarding the issue of land acquisition at a cheap price.

“I suggest that the words ‘land grab’ be replaced with a more suitable term because of the way Umno-BN acquired land. As a tribute to Sri Serdang (Satim), we will change it to Sat1M to reflect the expertise of Sri Serdang who sold land in November 2011,” he said.

Previously Shuhaimi had exposed three cases of power abuse by Satim. One of which is the granting of Government-land to Umno Kota Raja in 2007 and the Puchong Umno Leader, Datuk Satim Diman’s attempt to sell Malay land reserves to non-Bumiputera companies.

Satim is also accused of using his influence in the previous Umno-BN administration to sell land owned by a State Government subsidiary company to a private company in which he held importance in.

In the meantime, Suee Lim revealed that the 23 land lots in seven districts throughout Selangor from 1999 to 2008 which was acquired during the Umno-BN administration era, is estimated to be worth not less than RM300 million.

He also questioned how the land area of 33.5 acres was only charged a premium as low as RM1 for one square foot.

“Many people questioned how could the management of the 24 commercial land lots be approved to (members of) Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan? Once inspected, the price of all the land is not less than RM300 million.”

“How could the premium be reduced to this price? Who sat in the land committee at that time? This is the behaviour of Umno-BN who supposedly wants to defend the rights of the people. Always embarrassing then, now and forever,” he said.

Meanwhile, when answering questions from Suee Lim regarding land ownership, Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that the State Government uses and open system (digital system) without having to refer to the district office.

He said that the State Government intends to review all land ownership to ensure it is done in an orderly manner without the existence of power-abuse by any party.

“If the purchase of the land is not used as recommended, the State Government is entitled to take back the land. We need to examine the grant documents and if there was an abuse of power, then we can take legal action,” he said.

More Than 80% of PR Selangor Manifesto Accomplished

SHAH ALAM, 23 Nov: The State Government has stressed that almost the entire Selangor Pakatan Rakyat (PR) Manifesto made during the 12th General Elections (GE-12) has been accomplished by focusing on the people’s welfare.

Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid said that it is estimated that more than 80 percent of the manifesto, which includes social programs that the State Government, has been implemented gradually since 2008 until now.

He firmly said that the state’s economic growth has been the focus to ensure that all promises made in the manifesto can be implemented as soon as possible and that the results of the state development can be felt by every citizen of this state.

“In fact the whole manifesto or rather all programs that have promised by PR during the 2008 general election can be wholly realised to benefit the people.”

“From the figures we have already implemented more than 80 percent. In fact, if we look at and examine the Umno-BN manifesto in GE 2008; include fighting corruption, till now, such activities are still prevalent.”

“The implementation of this manifesto has taken place, but it will take time to be fully realised,” he said during his winding up speech of the debate on the 2013 Budget during the State Assembly (DNS) sitting today.

Earlier, DNS Opposition Leader , Datuk Mohamad Satim Diman claimed that the State Government had failed in fulfilling the GE-12 and that in fact, new issues have risen highlighting the shortcomings of the Selangor PR government administration.

Besides characterising the 2013 Selangor Budget as described by Abdul Khalid in his retort, Satim said that there are still many issues that have not been answered involving the welfare of the people in Selangor.

Five Selangor Local Authorities the Best in Malaysia

SHAH ALAM, 23 Nov: Five Local Authorities (PBT) in the state emerge among the 11 best Local Authorities out of 149 PBT in Malaysia.

Local Government Exco member, Ronnie Liu announced this at the State Assembly sitting today. The assessment was made through the Local Authorities Star Rating System at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government level.

The five local authorities are Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBJB), Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).

“To ensure consistency and improved performance from time to time, Local Authorities conduct meetings, briefings and workshops with the State Government.”

“This is also a platform for the State Government to assess the performance of PBT throughout the year,” was Ronnie’s answer to the Paya Jaras Assemblyman, Datuk Muhammad Bushro Mat Johor regarding the Local Government’s performance.

Ronnie also explained that at the moment, there is no need to establish any new PBT areas in Selangor.

“However, new PBT will be establish should the need arise in line with rapid growth of an area,” he explained.

He also said that areas will be assessed according to the criteria approved at the 60th meeting of the National Council for Local Government (MNKT) on June the 6th, 2008.

Youth Unemployment Rate in Selangor Low

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: The unemployment rate in Selangor is low and still remains below 4 percent as a result of the increase in the service sector of the state.

Malay Customs, Youth and Sports Exco member, Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said that the estimate given by the Selangor Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) states that the unemployment rate in Selangor is at 3.9 percent, the same as the year before.

He said that the service sector in Selangor is moving positively, contributing 55 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by providing more than 20,000 job opportunities each year.

“The low unemployment rate is driven by the expansion of the industrial, manufacturing and service sector, providing jobs including skilled, semi-skilled and less-skilled work as well as professional jobs,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Yunus said this when answering questions from Datuk Marsum Paing (BN-Dengkil) regarding job opportunities for youths in Selangor.

Since January till July 2012, a total of 142 investment projects have come in to Selangor and 13,197 job opportunities have been made available for the youth of the state.

According to the total sum of job opportunities since 2008 till 2011, as many as 102,288 job opportunities have been created in Selangor.

Meanwhile, the State Government is continuously intensifying programs to create job opportunities in Selangor by organising ‘Let’s Work’ (Jom Kerja) programmes every year.

Dr Ahmad Yunus said that to create a group of pro-active youths, the State Government has created a technical training scheme to train youths held at technical colleges in Selangor.

“For example, INPENS college in Selangor is providing technical courses to assist youths from middle (income) to lower (income) groups so that the youth in the state will be able to acquire suitable jobs,” the Sijangkang Assemblyman said.

Selangor Should Hurry Local Government Elections

SHAH ALAM, 22 Nov: Subang Jaya Assemblyman, Hannah Yeoh is urging the State Government to not delay Local Government Elections.

She said that a few years ago, the State Government had already spent money on researching the implementation of Local Government elections in Selangor.

However, the results of the research and the estimated cost to implement it are not known.

She said that Penang is already in the process of implementing local government elections in January next year.

“In relation to that, it is fair; considering that the state is rich and developed, that the State Government stops delaying the matter because the local residents have the power to choose their council members.”

“Local Government Elections will ensure that the best person is picked to serve in the Local Authorities.”

“Therefore, the State Government should stop delaying the implementation of local state elections,” she said in the Selangor State Assembly sitting.

Appoint Independent Experts to Assess Slope Status

SHAH ALAM, 21 nov: Hulu Kelang Assemblyman, Shaari Sungib urged the State Government to set-up a team of independent experts to assess the status of the slope in Taman Sri Ukay and Hillview Park near Highland Towers.

He firmly said that if the slope is not safe, the State Government should gazette the area and ban any development in the area.

“In the past there have been studies saying that the Highland Towers incident was caused by underground water flow.”

“And now, the construction of the planned condo is only a few meters from the scene. This situation is obviously troubling,” he said during the 2013 Budget debate in the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting just now.

Recently, Shaari and 50 residents from Taman Sri Ukay and Hillview Park held a peaceful demonstration to express their opposition regarding the two high-profile projects on the slope near their homes.

One of the projects involving three blocks of 40-storey buildings will be built at Lot 847, near Taman Hillview, while the other project on Lot 5 involves the construction of five blocks of 17-storey buildings near the ruins of the Highland Towers condominium.

It is understood that the two projects will be implemented by two different developers.

Azmin: The State Government Has Only Received 18 Percent from Federal Government Reserves

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has only received RM364 million from the allocated RM67 billion which has apparently been channelled by the Federal Government for the development and advancement of Selangor.

The RM 364 million is only 18 percent of the total RM 67 billion which was announced by the Kota Belud Parliament member, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan in the previous House of Representatives sitting.

Today, Bukit Antarabangsa Assemblyman, Azmin Ali claimed that Abdul Rahman’s statement was a propaganda played by Umno-BN to mislead the people of Selangor because it involves a large amount of funds.

“After checking with the Selangor Office of State Treasury, it is evidently different from what was stated.”

“However, should Umno-BN’s claim regarding the allocation be correct, the State Government would have to ask for the list of Federal projects worth RM 67 billion to be inspected and audited.”

“The people of Selangor have the right to know how it (the funds) has been channeled, who had received the project, what was the cost and whether it was transparent as well as whether it was an open tender?”

“I request the State Government to appoint an honest auditor to carry out the auditing. However, I am certain it is a lie,” he said to the media outside the State Assembly (DNS) hall today.

Azmin recapped his statement regarding the announcement at the 2013 Budget debate in the Selangor State Assembly hall.

He said that the Umno-BN theatrics can also be seen in their promise to build the third bridge in Klang.

He added that the project was launched by the ex-Works Minister, Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu three days before the 12th General Elections (GE-12) and he had promised to begin works four months after the launching.

“However, we can see that till now, nothing has been done. Instead, they are (now) promising to build a fourth bridge in the same city,” he said.

No New Licence for Cyber Cafes and Massage Parlours Since 2008

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: Since taking over the administration of the state in March 2008, the Pakatan Rakyat Government of Selangor has yet to approve any licence applications for massage parlours, public entertainment centres and cyber cafes.

However, according to Local Authorities Exco, Ronnie Liu, premises with licences before 2008 can still renew their licences.

“Their licences can still be renewed every year as long as they do not violate licence regulations and the law,” Ronnie explained in reply to the Lembah Jaya Assemblyman, Khasim Abdul Aziz when he asked questions regarding the abovementioned licences at the State Assembly sitting this morning.

Ronnie also informed the council that new licences have been given only to healthcare centres such as centres for reflexology, aromatherapy, physiotherapy, spas and saunas as well as gymnasiums.

This is stated in the Beauty and Healthcare Centre bye-laws.

Meanwhile, for entertainment centres, new licences are allowed only for leisure centres and family entertainment centres.

Among others are family karaokes, karaoke kiosks, bowling centres, fun-fairs and family entertainment centres offering various entertainment such as kiddyrides and simulator machines.

“They will also have to comply with the rules and regulations which is to not serve or provide alcoholic drinks to customers,” Ronnie, the Pandamaran Assemblyman, said.

Since 2008 till now, licences for 179 healthcare centre, 1,278 family entertainment and leisure centres as well as 224 budget hotels, have been issued by the State Government.

Meet with PBT, Land Office Wants to Solve the Issue of Non-Islamic Houses of Worship

SHAH ALAM, 21 Nov: The State Government has decided to make an appointment with the Local Authorities (PBT) and the Land Office to solve the issue of constructing non-Islamic places of worship on Selangor land reserves.

Health, Plantation Workers, Poverty and Caring Government Exco member, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that the meeting which is carried out four times a year will also be discussing processes which have to be implemented to avoid the problem from repeating.

He said that the majority of non-Islamic worship places were built when presented with the opportunity (to do so) by the previous Umno-BN government during their administration.

“Since 2008, we have sent out a requisite to all Local Governments and Land Offices to not allow any places of worship to be built without the approval of the committee or council members.”

“For places of worship built on private land, we have to check out the zoning (rules) as well as the size of the place and ask the committee or council members to monitor the condition of the place. Each place has its priorities. We have to consider and note the sensitivity of the residents before following through with any action.”

“I am not saying that we cannot completely change the land regulations which have been asked. But there are ways and processes to do it,” he said when answering additional questions by Sulaiman Abdul Razak (BN-Permatang).

He added that since 2008 till now, as many as 24 worship place land reserves apart from Islamic ones have been gazetted with an area of 35,845.843 square meters.

Among them are places in Hulu selangor (1), Hulu Langat (4), Kuala Selangor (2), Petaling Jaya (2), Sepang (1), Kuala Langat (1), Gombak (4) and Klang (9).

He stressed that the State Government will not arbitrarily carry out actions to gazette or seize land reserves, instead it will be done according to procedures which have been stated under section 64 of the land code.

“The process and procedures for cancelling the reservation is to bring it up in every land office and district under the law. Motion papers for the proposed cancellation of this reserve will be escalated to the Chief Minister for consideration under the 1984 delegation of authority, by the state authorities.”

“After that, investigation will be carried out accompanied by officers and agencies concerned. Only then, cancelation will precede effective the date the cancellation is completed,” he added.

Yakoob: State Government Provides Fishermen with Various Initiatives

SHAH ALAM, 20 Nov: The Selangor State Government has provided fishermen with various initiatives, like boats and fishing equipment, to increase the fishermen’s income in this state.

Agricultural Modernisation, Natural Resources Management and Entrepreneurial Development Exco, Yaakob Sapari said that in 2012, the State Government had allocated the Department Of Fisheries Malaysia a total of RM300,000 to help fishermen in Selangor.

He said that they had provided fiberglass fishing boats (sampans), engines and fishing nets.

“Through the provision of funds by the (Selangor) State Government; that had given various equipment and fishing apparatus, we hope that the catch will be increased,” the Kota Anggerik assemblyman said.

Yaakob said this when answering Dr Shafie Abu Bakar’s (Pas-Bangi) question during the Selangor State Assembly (DNS) sitting today.

Up till now, there are 7,655 fishermen in Selangor located in six districts; Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang.

Their average income is around RM1,000 to RM1,500.

Meanwhile, the Selangor Zakat Board (Lembaga Zakat Selangor) has provided an assistance program to supply fishing equipment to fishermen in the state.

In the meantime, Yakoob said, assistance programs to upgrade fish landing jetties is being carried out by the Local Authorities (PBT), Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) and the Department Of Fisheries Malaysia.

State Reserve Funds are only for Special Projects NOT for Administration Expenditures

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: The State Government will only use state reserves to fund special projects and not to shoulder administration costs, said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Reserve funds also cannot be used to pay for management expenditures and other such expenses by the State Government because it reflects inefficient financial management.

The presentation of the budget’s deficit to cover administrative expenses also reflects the failure of efficient financial management and demonstrates the failure to control spending.

Abdul Khalid said this when explaining the State Government actions in using state reserve funds to finance four projects at a cost of RM500 million.

“The project we are doing is separate so that its (the reserve funds) usage is more transparent.”

“The people do not want the reserves to be used to cover administrative expenses.”

“If this happens, people will think that the government can spend extravagantly, so with the separation, we cannot spend extravagantly,” said Abdul Khalid in a press conference at the State Assembly Annex Building lobby.

Abdul Khalid presented the 2012 Budget today, the first day of the Third Meeting of the Fifth Session. The Budget is themed ‘Selangor, Leader of Malaysian Economy’.

When presenting the budget, Abdul Khalid announced the decision to build the third bridge in Klang costing RM300 million, the implementation of Storm Water (RM100 million), upgrading and repairs of drainage systems (RM50 million) and the building of fully-furnished affordable housing (RM50 million).

However, these projects are not included in the 2013 Budget, instead it will be using State reserves.

Ceria Scheme: 71 Apartments Benefit

SHAH ALAM, 19 Nov: Since its introduction in 2011, the Ceria scheme costing RM97 million has benefited 71 apartments across Selangor.

Housing, Building Management and Squatters Exco member, Iskandar Abdul Samad said that the Ceria Scheme applies to two types of apartment units, Low-Cost and Medium-Cost, during the State Assembly (DNS) sitting this morning.

For Phase One in 2011, only 17 low-cost apartments received assistance from the Ceria Scheme.

Where else for Phase Two in 2012, a total of 43 low-cost apartments and 9 medium-cost apartments have benefited from the scheme.

Phase Three this year involves two medium-cost apartments.

Iskandar said, when answering questions from the Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad regarding this scheme, that the State Government has also designed a few upgrading programmes under this scheme.

“Among them, the State Government has organized an educational hands-on programme for apartment owners. This is the Anti-Vandalism themed ‘Keep Our Apartments Clean, Cheerful and Harmonious’ campaign.”

“For the care of reconditioned lifts, the Government has also implemented the installation of CCTVs and lift census programmes in collaboration with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (JKKP),” said Iskandar, who is also the Cempaka State Assemblyman.

The Ceria scheme is a cost-sharing scheme between apartment residents and the State Government to beautify the surrounding areas of apartment buildings.

The scheme also aims to cultivate a sense of belonging of each unit in maintaining the common property in the long term.